NO. 41. — 1890.] REBELION DE CEYLAN. 



481 



first Count of Villa-Real, and by this marriage in respect to a 

 right of succession which Dona Aldonca bequeathed to her 

 descendants, her sons called themselves Sas de Menezes, of 

 whose name and house they are the chief, as in Portugal are 

 called the Counts of Matosinos y Penaguion, the Grand Cham- 

 berlain of the properties of the Kings of Portugal. From 

 this union sprang a grandson, Francisco de Sa de Menezes, 

 whom they surnamed De los Oculos, a Cavellero, well known 

 in the history of India for his name and services ; and being by 

 Dona Juana de Norona, his mother, a grandson also of the 

 Count of Odemira, he changed the name to Constantino de 

 Sa de Menezes y Norona. From this Francisco de Sa was 

 born Martin Lourenco de Sa de Menezes, father of our 

 Governor, a man of valour and reputation, who, after serving 

 in the armies of the Coast and as ,Frontero (Warden of the 

 Marches) in Ceuta some years, died at the age of thirty, 

 leaving his son Constantino in charge of his grandfather, 

 under whose care and instruction he received his first 

 education. 



He was at first intended for the Church ; that is why 

 he obtained some knowledge of letters, and distinguished 

 himself not less in the gown than he did in arms. Constantino 

 de Sa continued his studies at Lisbon, but left them off as 

 soon as his grandfather Francisco de Sa died; when he 

 became the head scion of his house, which was esteemed 

 more for the memory of the founder than for its wealth. 

 For this cavalier was not rich, because he never knew what 

 avarice was, being one of the most distinguished men of his 

 time, not only for his services,, but for his high character, 

 following them up through the most disastrous times and 

 adversities of this kingdom, until the death and extinc- 

 tion of the royal race." When his relations and companions 

 offered him means of acquiring, by their example, riches and 

 estates, he retired to his house at Belen, a suburb of Lisbon. 

 All the reward he had was solitude and leisure ; and some 



* At the battle of Alcacerdo Sul. 



